Scientists at the Institute of Cancer and Stem Cell Research at McMaster University (Canada) have made a breakthrough when it successfully created artificial blood from skin cells.
The groundbreaking study of Canadian scientists has opened up the prospect of creating an artificial blood source to compensate for the rare state of the hospital's blood banks. In addition, this new hematopoietic method can also be used to treat blood diseases, such as blood cancer.
Successfully created artificial blood from skin cells. (Internet artwork)
Previously, scientists have succeeded in creating blood cells from embryonic stem cells. However, the limitation of this method is that the blood produced is still immature, unsuitable for adults. In addition, embryonic stem cell sources are very limited and this method can be controversial about moral issues.
Meanwhile, the new method of hematopoietic skin cells can overcome this drawback, because scientists can create mature blood cells and have the same characteristics as the current blood cells of patients, can be used immediately after being created.
The team conducted the experiment by taking adult skin cells from different ages as well as the outgoing cells of newborns. Then, scientists put the DNA of blood cells into skin cells, helping to transform these cells with blood cells.
This new hematopoietic method can be tested in hospitals since 2012 after scientists evaluated the test results on a volunteer group with white blood disease. The team also plans to study the creation of other cell types from skin cells.
" We are working to develop other types of cells from the skin cells on the human body. Early trials have shown quite satisfactory results ," said Dr. Mick Bhatia, of the Cancer Research Institute. Stem cells - McMaster University and head of research, said.